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DELTASION.com – The Celebration of Valentine’s Day every February 14
in Japan is known to be different from other countries. That’s because Japan
has a variety of unique traditions.
Giving chocolate is one of the common things to do on that day.
Interestingly, in Japan there are various types of Valentine’s chocolates
based on the recipient, you know. Anything? Here’s the review!
1. Honmei choco
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Valentine’s is often a suitable moment to express love to a crush. Well, in
Japan, there is a term for chocolate that is aimed at the one you love, you
know. The chocolate is called home choco or ‘true feeling chocolate’.
Lots of chocolate and cake shops sell chocolate with the theme of a
declaration of love on Valentine’s Day. However, Japanese people tend to
choose to make their own chocolate with the intention that the feelings they
have been harboring so far can be included in the chocolate.
2. Giri choco
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Giri choco is ‘obligation chocolate’. Named like this because Japan has a
tradition that a girl must give chocolate to a boy on Valentine’s Day even
though their relationship is not on a romantic path.
One girl, for example, gave her male co-worker a chocolate for helping and
guiding her over the years. Even so, as time goes by, many Japanese girls no
longer adhere to this tradition.
3. Tomo choco
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Not only for partners in a romantic relationship, but Japan also has a
variety of chocolates to give to friends. The chocolate is called tomo choco
which is taken from the word tomodachi which means ‘friend’ and choco which
means ‘chocolate’.
Tomo choco can be given to anyone who is a friend. However, in Japan, this
tradition is usually carried out by female friends.
4. Jibun choco
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Having a single status and being afraid of not getting chocolate? Don’t
worry, Japan also has a type of chocolate that is suitable for singles or
anyone who likes to appreciate themselves. The chocolate is called jibun
choco or ‘chocolate yourself’. This is a chocolate gift to yourself.
Japanese people who celebrate Valentine’s with jibun choco usually buy or
make chocolate from scratch and then give it to themselves. Despite this
tradition, the Japanese do jibun choco quite rarely. That’s because on this
special day, usually relatives, friends, and co-workers will give chocolate
to each other.
5. Gyaku choco
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On Valentine’s Day, guys usually give chocolates to girls. However, Japan
has a tradition that is reversed. On Valentine’s Day, girls give chocolates
to boys.
Because of that, the term gyaku choco or ‘reverse chocolate’ was born.
Meanwhile, chocolate will be given by the boy to his girl partner. However,
in Japan, gyaku choco is rarely done because usually boys give chocolate to
girls on White Day, not Valentine’s.
6. Fami choco
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As the name is taken from the word family, fami choco means ‘chocolate
given to the family’. Besides being given as a surprise, fami choco can also
be made with the family, then tasted together during family time.
Apart from being a symbol of affection, fami choco can also be an
alternative medium to thank families for those who are embarrassed to
express it verbally. Wow, very unique, yes, the fami choco tradition.
Chocolate has a sweet taste and can increase happiness so it is suitable as
a symbol of love and gratitude. So, how is it? Are you interested in
adopting the Japanese tradition of giving chocolates to loved ones this
Valentine’s?